Soon three new countries in the Schengen club? In any case, this is what the European Commission is asking for, which on Wednesday 16 November repeated its call EU countries to accept the full integration of Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania into the Schengen area. This enlargement, which has been demanded for a long time, nevertheless arouses reluctance among certain Member States.
“While Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania are already partially subject to the rules of the Schengen area, internal border controls with these (EU) member countries have not been lifted and they therefore do not enjoy the benefits” linked to this participation, pointed out the Commission on Wednesday, supported by Parliament. She therefore asked to the Council of the EU, which brings together the 27 Member States, “take the necessary decisions without further delay to authorize (these three countries) to participate fully in the Schengen area”according to a press release.
Fears over EU borders
When the internal borders are erased, however, this implies strengthening the external borders of the Schengen area. And it is precisely the subject that angers Europeans, with some calling for efforts in the fight against corruption in Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria before giving the green light. EU justice and interior ministers are due to vote on the matter at a meeting scheduled for December 8. The unanimity of the 27 is necessary to authorize the lifting of border controls with these three countries.
If this enlargement were to be validated, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania would then fully join this area which already includes 26 countries and represents 420 million inhabitants, including 22 EU members and four associated states: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.